Pictured from left to right: Howard Schwartz, Kathy Smith, John Storyk of Walters-Storyk Design Group, Jennifer Torreggiani, Alfred Torreggiani of Key Construction Services, Walkway Executive Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart, David Stewart of DS Electric, Walkway Board Chair Michael Oates, Michael Graham.

The Walkway Over the Hudson organization recognized donors who donated materials and labor to make important improvements to Walkway State Park’s East Pavilion. At the same event, they introduced Theresa Sanchez as its new Director of Programs and Visitor Services during a ceremony held on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the Park’s eastern entrance.

“We are extremely grateful to the companies and individuals who donated their time, talent and resources to the improvements at the East Pavilion. Their generosity means the world to us,” said Walkway Executive Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart. “We are excited to welcome Theresa Sanchez to her new role with the Walkway organization. She brings incredible experience and enthusiasm to this job, which is critical to our organization’s day-to-day interactions with our volunteers and the people who visit the park.”

The improvements to the East Pavilion greatly improve security, storage and comfort at the small structure located at the Walkway’s eastern gate that serves as a base of operations for the Walkway organization’s staff and volunteer Ambassador Corps. Enhancements include sliding doors to the front of the structure and a fence at the back for better security, new steel doors inside, a ceiling fan in the center for Ambassador comfort, and a new paint job on the doors and trim. Alfred Torreggiani of Key Construction donated the labor and materials; Matthew Ballos and John Storyk of WSDG designed it; Dave Stewart of DS Electric donated labor and materials; and Ambassadors painted the structure.

Ms. Sanchez, who joined the Walkway staff in August, will be responsible for ensuring visitors enjoy a safe and positive experience at the popular New York State Park that spans the Hudson River between the City of Poughkeepsie and the Town of Lloyd. A LaGrange resident, she will oversee Walkway programs, manage the volunteer Ambassador Corps, and serve as a liaison with New York State Parks.  She has over 15 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, having worked in program development and volunteer management for both the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and the March of Dimes Foundation National Office.

For more information about the Walkway Over the Hudson nonprofit organization visit www.walkway.org.